Marketing manager apprenticeships - where to start
You could get into this job through:
a university course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role
applying directly
University
You could do a higher national diploma or degree in marketing, business management, digital marketing or advertising.
You'll usually need 1 or 2 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma. You'll need 2 to 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a degree.
Apprenticeship
You could do a marketing manager higher or Level 6 (degree) apprenticeship.
You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A-Levels, or equivalent, for a higher or Level 6 (degree) apprenticeship.
Work
You could start as a marketing executive and complete a qualification while you're working. You could also come to this role after working as a digital marketing manager or communications manager.
When you've got experience, you could take qualifications offered by professional bodies, like The Chartered Institute of Marketing, the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and the Institute of Data and Marketing, to help you move into management jobs.
Direct Application
You could apply directly for management jobs if you've got experience in a related area like sales management, advertising, communications or public relations.
It would also be helpful for you to have experience of working in a large organisation.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join The Chartered Institute of Marketing for professional development and training opportunities.
Marketing manager apprenticeships - what it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- the ability to sell products and services
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- to be thorough and pay attention
- to detail
leadership skills
- maths knowledge
- business management skills
- customer service skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
Marketing manager apprenticeships - what you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
In your day-to-day tasks you could:
- create marketing and social media strategies and guidelines
- manage a team of marketing executives
- plan and manage the launch of new products and services
- set budgets, targets and timelines
- oversee and approve campaign content and communications
- work with in-house or outside agencies to produce successful campaigns
- organise and attend events to meet new and existing clients
- report on the effectiveness of campaigns
Working environment
You could work in an office or at a client's business.
Career path and progression - Marketing manager apprenticeships
With experience, you could become a regional manager or marketing director. You could also become a brand or account director.
Another option is to work as a freelance marketing consultant.